318Touring

Strangely equipped cars would also point to not NZ-new cars. For example a top-of-the-line 5 series with cloth seats etc. etc. For those with black number plates you can upgrade to NZ euro plate for $90 for a pair. Go here.

That's because the E36 Compact is based on E30 not E36.

Aha, thanks all

How important is it to get a DVD Writer if I don't need to 'back-up' my DVD movies? Is it worth the $100+ over the price a CD Writer? If a DVD Writer is recommended, then is it necessary to buy +-, dual layer?

An independent BMW garage should be fine. If you just want to reset the service lights indicator, you can use a coat hanger. You can find the instruction somewhere in the net.

Find out here Parts db

Note to self: never buy a BMW whose previous owner is younger than 50 y.o. No, make that 80 y.o.

Doesn't a regular air-mail also exist? It's not Fedex or UPS (basically a courier service) but still using airplane. When the goods arrive in NZ it gets delivered by Courier Post.

Key remote that also controls the alarm costs about $300 +GST at the dealer. And you have to get it from the dealer. Get the car checked by AA (BMW dealer doesn't want to do this work any longer?). Check that ALL the electronics work, I mean ALL. Make sure nothing is missing even by a pixel. There are lots of other E46s out there.

Yeah I'm getting stuff from overseas. At the moment waiting for my replica NZ plate to arrive from Germany. Yay!! Still looking to get 2nd hand M5 grille possibly from fabdirect. Bank transfer is quite an expensive exercise due to the fee of $25 per transfer. Shipping is also killing me with things regularly cost $50-$75 to ship from Europe or America.

It is interesting that now they've put the dual climate control back again, after taking it out in the E46.

Go to www.targa.co.nz and search for tour. The cost is at least $1500 + GST, own accommodation. You'll get more informartion in the site.

Very nice!

Which ins co are you with? What were replaced for $3500!

martyn If you haven't done so, this is quite a good source for information on Nav retrofit project, although they use the widescreen ones. I want NAV on my BMW!! I've seen lots of imported BMWs with small screens, so there should be plenty around once those people get rid off the car for various reasons. There's a wrecker with attitude at Upper Hutt. There's another one in Manukau Auckland, they have a website which address I can't remember. They quoted higher than dealer's prices on email, but came up cheaper when I dropped by. bumpstop325 Does BMWarehouse has a website?

Bugger!!! Have you checked the panel that houses the spare tyre etc.? Sometimes in this situation it gets affected and rippled, although I don't think it will be in your case. Which panelbeater you're going to send the car to? That intersection is quite dangerous with people running red lights or trying to catch the green-amber phase, and U-turning,

martyn, keep us updated since I'm also keen on being able to watch TV in my car. What about wreckers such as Fab Direct, Quarry Motors (I know they are on the other side of the world), but they have more cars and better equipped ones too in for wrecking.

Go to BMW Tips which specifically deals with e39s. I think 523i is enough if you don't mind not getting the 'toys'. However quite a few of imported 523s have toys that came std with 528. Engine size wise it's 2.5l, so should be enough to haul its big body. The only reason I went for 528 was I couldn't get a NZ new 523 with the toys that I wanted. 540 would be too expensive to use and maintain for me, so it was out of the question. There are 540s with good prices out there if you look.

Hmmm, those alloys still in good condition. Comfort seat, in purple though. The car's in Auckland?

Thanks for that buddy, I'll check them out.

M3AN Which web site is that? Are they good? Prices Upgrade existing to Euro $199 New personalised plate $499 As above with Euro $599 New Euro but buy from BMW (reg starts with BMW...) $300 something

So far I found the parts dept. Shelly's been pretty helpful and quick in getting back to me. In saying that I've known those guys for years now. They'll just show me the picture of the ETK (if I don't already bring my own printout), and get the price from another screen. If you don't already know, it'd be useful if you are BMWCC (NZ) member as you'll get some 10 or 20% discount of the list price for parts, and services too.

That's fine mate. I heard Mag and Turbo warehouse (in L Hutt) does alloy wheels restoration? Have you spoken with them? Also there's another place in Kapiti that does it too (can't remember the name).

Yeah that's my intention too (swap to old plates for WOF). I'd seen cars with different fornts on the plates. I think if English style plates will be illegal as the back has a yellow background? Anyone here has got non-NZ manufactured Euro platea before? martyyn, is yours a silver 740 with Euro plate BMW740?

Yup, that's right, you can order one from personalised plate, cept they charge $252.